Clifton man accused of taking girls' photos sentenced to probation

MEDIA COURTHOUSE -- A lifetime Megan's Law sex offender was sentenced to one year of probation Wednesday on four summary charges of harassment.

Leon Thomas Hopkins, 63, of the first block of South Glenwood Avenue, Clifton Heights, was arrested in August after he allegedly approached two girls, ages 12 and 13, and asked to take their photographs. Hopkins was registered under Megan's Law in March 2002. He was convicted of rape and related crimes in 1987, according to court records.

According to police, Hopkins approached two girls Aug. 2 near Union and Essex avenues in Upper Darby. He represented himself as "Mr. Sebastiano" and gave them a business card, explaining he does hair and makeup. Hopkins asked the girls he could take their photo, according to police. When the girls initially refused, he allegedly grabbed one by the arm and told her they could leave after he'd taken the pictures. After taking the shot, the girls tried to walk away, but Hopkins allegedly grabbed them and hugged them. He told them to call him if anyone ever hurt them, according to police.

Upper Darby Officer Kevin Donohue responded to a call of a suspicious male talking to juveniles and found Hopkins with a camera. When Donohue asked what he was doing, Hopkins allegedly told the officer he was taking pictures of the girls because he thought they were attractive.

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Hopkins was arrested on charges of simple assault, harassment and stalking. His camera was confiscated, along with a business card he had given the girls. Under the no-contest plea Hopkins offered Judge Gregory Mallon, the camera will be forfeited and he is not to have any contact with the girls.